Hartford Athletic, DOL Collaborate on Workforce Expo

09.08.2022
Workforce

Hartford Athletic and the state Department of Labor are collaborating on the soccer team’s second annual Hiring Expo Sept. 21.

The expo, designed to support those who are underemployed, seeking new career opportunities, or directly impacted by COVID-19—with an emphasis on veterans and diverse candidates—will be held at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford.

“Hartford Athletic is thrilled to partner with the Connecticut Department of Labor for a second straight year on this very important initiative,” Hartford Athletic CEO Jim Burda said.

“We saw a great turnout of job seekers last year and are excited to help create even more career opportunities for people who are looking.

“As an organization, we are not only committed to providing a world-class soccer experience, but also to providing pathways for everyone in our community through our year-round community pillars of support.”

Diverse Workforce

Last year’s expo hosted 40 organizations, and 42% of companies who attended had job seekers complete applications for open positions.

This year’s expo will more than double the amount of organizations participating, with over 100 companies providing opportunities for a diverse workforce of veterans, people of color, women, and those with disabilities.

Registrants will also be provided with résumé assistance, interview strategies, and dressing advice.

Connecticut’s labor force—the number of employed residents plus those actively looking for work—has declined by 51,600 people or 2.6% since February 2020, 43% of the region’s losses and 8% of the U.S. decline.

And while Connecticut has 105,000 job openings, employers are struggling to fill those positions, with the state recovering just 86% of all jobs lost to pandemic restrictions in March and April of 2020.

Collaboration

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima called the expo “a great step towards solving our skilled labor shortage in Connecticut, which is the greatest threat to our economic recovery.

“CBIA members like Hartford Athletic are leading the way in building an equitable economy and business environment that works for all.

“This is a shining example of the public-private collaboration needed to unlock Connecticut’s tremendous economic potential.”

“This is a shining example of the public-private collaboration needed to unlock Connecticut’s tremendous economic potential.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

The expo runs from 10-2 pm and is free to attend, though jobseekers are encouraged to register online.

Attendees will receive one ticket voucher for a future Hartford Athletic match.

Companies interested in hosting a table at the expo should contact Hartford Athletic’s Eric Horn.

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